Leadership is not about being in charge — it is about taking care of the people in your charge. These quotes cover management, vision, decision-making, and the qualities that separate leaders people follow willingly from those people merely tolerate.
“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.”
“Maybe if everybody in leadership was a woman, you might not get into the conflicts in the first place. But if you watch the women who have made it to the top, they haven't exactly been non-aggressive - including me.”
“Leadership is, among other things, the ability to inflict pain and get away with it - short-term pain for long-term gain.”
“You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.”
“We've been sitting at the compromise table for a long time. We're just waiting for that cold chair to be warmed up by the Republican leadership. They still have time to do the right thing and be responsible. They just seem to be moving further and further away from it.”
“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles but today it means getting along with people.”
“It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
“Leadership has a harder job to do than just choose sides. It must bring sides together.”
“The employer generally gets the employees he deserves.”
“Example is leadership.”
“Leadership comes in small acts as well as bold strokes.”
“Leadership is about being a servant first.”
“I think one of the keys to leadership is recognizing that everybody has gifts and talents. A good leader will learn how to harness those gifts toward the same goal.”
“Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.”
“Black leadership has to recognize that principles more than speech, character more than a claim, is greater in advancing the cause of our liberation than what has transpired thus far.”